Less than a week after head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism for Jermichael Finley's return, it appears that defensive lineman Johnny Jolly expects similarly good news.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Jolly underwent single fusion neck surgery on January 10, and his agent Jack Bechta believes his client could be cleared by the time free agency kicks off on March 11.

While that's certainly good news for Jolly, it doesn't necessarily mean the market will warm up to him. Jolly missed three seasons to drug-related legal troubles, and just celebrated his 31st birthday. Moreover, the 2014 free agent class is filled with younger, more productive options at his position. That could be good news for the Packers, who would re-sign Jolly for around the veteran minimum.